Game



July 4, 1939. J. C. Kom 2,165,059

GAME

Filed Nov. 26, 1957 e sheets-sheet 1 July 4, 1939. 1 Q KCC; 2,165,059

GAME

Filed NOV. 26, 1937 6 SheBtS-Shet 2 July 4, 1939. J. c. Kocl GAME Filed Nov. 26, 1937 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 N am on if au i W \VW/lll/l/l/l/l/l// /l /J/j .Z

July 4, 1939.

J. c. Kocl 2,165,059

GAME

Filed Nov. 2e, i957 e sheets-sheet 4 July 1939- J. c. Kocl 2,165,059

GAME

Filed Nov. 26. 1957 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 1r u lr. u -@170 124 8 FA- IQW 1 142 w13? md5 13913 13T 5a' 93 133 L46 90 4 7* 135 JOI g 140 14! 134 I I; 85 )b2 ru/LWPLE @oo ggg V106 ns serons Obw QQQ*

@53, xa Zwem Zri nea-5; jerry J. C. KOCl July 4, 1939.

GAME

Filed Nov. 26, 1937 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 4 INVENTOR. ,ifa/ry aca ATTOREY.

Patented July 4, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application November 28, 1937, Serial No. 176,596

8 Claims.

This invention relates to game devices oi the type adapted to be conditioned for play by the operation of a coin mechanism and has for its principal object the provision of a new and improved game of this type.

A further object of the invention resides in the provision of a novelty game which builds up player appeal by action in the game device during the playing of a gaine.

It is s. further object of the invention to provide a game in which the score achieved by the player is automatically registered and indicated and in which the indications are changed simultaneously with a change ln the score during the playing of the game.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a game in which the number of steps taken by the scoring device beyond a predetermined numberof steps is counted on a counting device within the machine visible only to the operator or owner of the gamer Still another object of the invention resides in the provision of a game device having play balls adapted to gravitate over a playing field and to come into contact with devices thereon to increase the score of the game only when the balls engage the devices during particular periods or intervals.

A further object of the invention resides in the provision of a game where a contact of a, ball with any one of a plurality of devices on the playing iield during a particular interval will advence the scoring mechanism one step and the contact oi a ball with a particular device during the interval will advance the scoring mechanism a plurality of steps.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a gaine of substantial construction which can be maintained in operative condition by relatively inexperienced workmen.

Further objects of the invention not specifically mentioned here will be apparent from the detailed description and claims which follow, reference being had to the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown by way of example and in which:

Figure l is a plan view of the playing eld of a game device built in accordance with the teachings of the invention;

Figure 2 is a bottom side plan view of the playing field showing the mechanisms oi the game;

.Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view through the game taken substantially along the line 3-3 of Figure l, looking in the direction of the arrows;

(Cl. 27s- 121) Figure 4 is a iront elevational view of the backboard o! the game;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view through the motor driven disk mechanism contained in the backboard oi the game and taken substantially along the line of 5 5 of Figure 6;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary elevational view of the disk mechanism;

Figure 6A is a detail view of the spring assembly controlled by spring 3B;

Figure 6B is a detail view of the spring assembly controlled by spring 42;

Figure 7 is an elevational view partly in section oi' a switch mechanism of the game;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view through the switch mechanism taken substantially along the line of B-B o! Figure '7, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 9 is a plan view of the mechanically locked tilt relay of the game;

Figure l0 is a. fragmentary cross-sectional view through the wiper arm of the stepping switch of the game showing the arrangement of contactors thereon and contacts engaged thereby;

Figure 11 is a schematical diagram of the circuits of the game.

Figure 12 is a plan view of the stepping switch shown in Figure 2 drawn to an enlarged scale;

Figure 13 is a side elevational View of the switch shown in Figure 12.

Games of the class to which the present invention relates are usually contained in cabinets which are mounted high enough to be readily available to a player standing in front of the game. This type of the cabinet contains a glass top through which is visible a playing field that inclines slightly towards the front of the game, and over which the play balls which are propelled to the top of the playing eld may gravitate during the playr on a particular ball. A glass faced backboard assembly extends above the cabinet at the back edge of the game and contains, in the case of the game shown in the drawings, a. part o! the mechanism in addition to the score indicating devices of the game.

A coin chute mechanism projects from the front side of the game to permit the player to condition the game for play by the insertion of a coin followed by the usual manipulations of the coin chute mechanism. An elevator handle also projects from the front side of the game to permit the player to bring the balls into the playing field one at a time, and there is also a plunger mechanism which the player manipulates to propel the balls over the playing eld. The present invention employs a number of devices which will be familiar and readily understood by one skilled in the art.

A game built in accordance with the teachings of the present invention belongs to the class ci games known as novelty games, in which the player seeks to register the highest possible score. The insertion of a coin and manipulation of the coin chute mechanism releases for play five balls which are propelled over the playing eld. preferably one at a time, to constitute a game. During the travel of a ball over the playing iield, the ball is bulleted around by spring buil'ers to add to the action of the game and thereby increase its player appeal.

Located upon the playing iield in addition to the buffers, are a plurality oi switching mechanisms, each containing contacts adapted to be closed by a ball moving into engagement with the mechanism from any direction. Located in the backboard is a mechanism constantly moving during the period of play of the game and arranged to alternately connect and disconnect a source of power to and from the switch mechanisms, thereby to form on and "ofP intervals or periods. The circuits oi the game are arranged so that the scoring mechanism in the game will be actuated each time a ball contacts a switching mechanism during an interval during which the switch mechanisms are connected to the source of power. In the game illustrated in the drawings by way oi' example, the intervals during which the score may be increased by bringing a ball into contact with one of the switching mechanisms are indicated by a game figure moving across the backboard of the game and visible to the player, suitable lighting being provided and flashed on during the intervals when the game gure is visible.

In order to add to the action of the game and thereby increase its player appeal, one of the switching mechanisms is connected in a circuit adapted to cause the scoring mechanism to be operated repeatedly during the remainder of the interval during which the game ligure is visible in the backboard. Thus, if a ball is brought into contact with this particular switch mechanism at the very beginning of an on" interval during which the game iigure is visible, the scoring mechanism will be operated a relatively large number of times to add corresponding amounts to the score. If the ball is brought into engagement with this particular switch mechanism, later in the same on interval during which the game ligure is visible in the backboard, the scoring mechanism will be operated a fewer number of times to increase the score by a smaller amount.

The score indicating mechanism is preferably a step by step switch having a magnet and pawl mechanism adapted to advance an arm of the switch step by step from a normal position. The arm contains a plurality of contactors which are thus advanced over a series oi' contacts to control the indicating means inaccordance with the score at the moment.

Referring now to the drawings in more detail, particularly Figures 1, 2 and 3, the game device consists of a cabinet I closed by a glass plate 2, through which is visible the playing ileld 3 that is inclined slightly with its low end at the front ci the game. A backboard, which consists of a boxlike structure 4, rises above the cabinet I at the rear end thereof and is closed by a Suitable glass Plate l.

The playing heid 3 is bordered by a rigid border 6 and a wall member 1 that serves to form a chute B through which a ball 9 is propelled onto the held by a spring pressed plunger mechanism II). The ball travels around the circular end of the field into engagement with a spring buffer Il, which throws it backward, there being a gate I2 arranged to prevent the ball from re-entering the chute 8.

The active part of the playing iield, that is, the part over which the ball gravitates, is bounded by springs Il which are stretched between suitable post I4 and serve to cause the ball to rebound back into the eld. Located upon the field are a plurality of buil'ers I5, each of which consists oi a pair of posts upstanding from the eld and between which are extended buiier springs, the springs being wound around the posts spirally to add resiliency to the butler. The iield also contains iiag buii'ers IB which consist of a single post upstanding from the field and carrying a spring which extends around the post in a spiral path and extends therefrom over the playing field.

The playing field also contains a plurality of switch mechanisms I1, each oi' which contains contacts adapted to be closed by a ball moving into engagement with the mechanism from any direction, the contacts being connected in the circuits of the game in such a manner that the scoring mechanism will be operated through one step each time the circuit is completed through the contacts of one of the switch mechanisms I1.

The playing field also contains a switch mechanlsm IB which may be of construction identical with the switch mechanisms I1, which is connected in the circuits of the game in such a manner that the scoring mechanism may be operated through a plurality of steps each time the switch mechanism I8 is engaged by a ball, as will presentiy appear.

located at the bottom of the playing ileld is a trap I9 in which the balls that have been played are retained throughout the remainder of the game and from which the balls are released to condition the mechanism for the playing of another game.

The playing field may contain figures and characters indicative of the game if desired, these gures being omitted from the drawings to avoid an unnecessary complication thereof. The particular arrangement of the bumpers and other instrumentalities upon the playing field may be varied within the teachings of the invention, the arrangement shown in the drawings being shown by way of example.

'Ihe coin chute mechanism indicated at 20, Figure 1. is of usual construction familiar to those skilled in the art and is adapted to receive a coin and to be operated to condition the game for play in the usual manner. An elevator operated through a plunger 2 I, Figure 3, is provided to elevate the balls into the chute B, one at a time, the game preferably being provided with tive play balls. The particular type of elevator mechanism used for this purpose is not of the essence of the present invention and inasmuch as there are several mechanisms available to those skilled in the art which may be used in the game, the details of the mechanism have been omitted from the drawings to avoid unnecessary complications.

As will be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the backboard consists of a box-like structure 4 closed by a glass plate upon which plate is painted a scene indicating the nature of the game. As shown in the drawings, the game is a duck huntins game and the scene 2i is appropriate thereto. The scene paintedv upon the front plate i ol the backboard contains an opening or sight 26 through which a background scene 21 is visible. A play gure ofthe game, such as the duck 28, is likewise visible through the sight 28 as it is moved across the background scene 21.

Located within the backboard behind the glass panel I, is a mounting bracket 20 upon-which is mounted an electric motor 2| and a speed reduction gearing I2, from which gearing is projected a shaft I3 that carries a disk 84. The particular type o! motor and speed reduction gearing used may be varied within the teachings of the invention. Preferably, however. the shaft 22 will be rotated at a speed oi' about 8 revolutions per minute.

Projecting from the disk 34 are arms 35 which carry the game gures 2B so that as the disk is rotated. ilgures will travel across the sight 26 and will be visible to the player.

The disk I4 carries an outer row oi contactorsV which are divided into two groups, 3B and 31, each group being shown as containing l contactors, although this number may be varied, it desired, within the teachings ofthe invention. As will be seen in Figure', the contactors, project irom the face oi the disk and serve as cams. A cam spring assembly 2B mounted upon a suitable plate 39 carried by the motor includes a main spring adapted to be moved as the individual contactors are brought into and out of engagement with the spring. The main spring is thus alternately moved into and out of engagementwith cooperating contacts as will presently appear. The disk 34 also contains two contactors l and 4I located inside the circle dened by'contactors 36 and 31 and engaged by a second spring assembly 42 carried upon the mounting plate 29. Contactors 40 and 4i likewise extend beyond the surface of the disk and serve as cams to move the main spring of the assembly 42 relative to the disk as the contactors are brought into and out of engagement with the spring. this movement of the main spring, as will presently appear.

The backboard housing also contains a pair of lamps 42, one o! which isl located at each end oi' the sight 26 and behind the scene painted upon the front panel E, the light serving to light the interior of the backboard so as to render visible the game gure as it moves across the eld oi vision oi' the player.

The switching mechanisms i1 and i8 located upon the playing eld 3 are of the type arranged to close a pair of contacts when struck by a playing ball moving into engagement with the mechanism from any direction, there being a number of available switch mechanisms for this purpose. As shown in the drawings, the mechanisms consist of a central post 50 capped by a suitable cap 5I beneath which is suspended a helical spring 52 which terminates in a loop 53, Figure 8. A pin I4 extends upwardly through the playing field and into the loop 53. One side of the circuit is connected to the post 50 and thence to the loop 52 through the helical spring 52, and the other side of the circuit is connected to the post 54. It will be readily apparent that a bali moving the helical spring 62 in any direc-tion. will move the loop 5l into engagement with the pin 54, thereby closing a circuit between the two.

As will be seen in Figures 2 and 3, there are mounted upon the underside oi the playing ield A arm in its operated position. Cooperating springs are engaged by 2, a number o! instrumentalities of the game. The shuille board 60 connected to the coin chute ,20 by a suitable link 8l, is slidabLv carried in guides 82 and 63 and is adapted to move upwardly in Figure 2. away from stops 54 and against the tension o! springs 85 as the coin mechanism 20 is moved inwardly to condition the game for play. A dash pot 68 ot usual construction well known to those skilled in the art. is connected to shume board 6l and serves to regulate the speed ot travel of the same in the usual manner, and a stop B4' serves to limit the upward movement of the shuiile board B0.

A timing switch 61 is mounted upon the playing held 2 by a suitable bracket 6B and is provided with an operating arm 89 that overlies the shuilie board and is adapted to be engaged by a bracket 69' thereon to operate the switch. Timing switches per se are .old and weil understood by those skilled in the art, the type most cornmonly used having a clock-work mechanism driven by a spring that is tensioned as the arm 69 is moved by an operation oi' the shuilie board, the arm also closing a set `of 'contacts which are released subsequently after a given interval of time measured by the clock mechanism. 'Ihe device is used to limit the length o! time during which the game may be kept in operative condition responsive to the insertion of a single coin, as will be well understood by those skilled in the art.`

The playing field also contains a tilt relay 10 best seen in Figure 9 and containing an arm 1i which overlies the shume board 60 and is adapted to be engaged by a bracket 12 carried thereon and moved in a clockwise direction, Figure 9, by the inward movement of the coin mechanism. The arm 1I is pivoted at 'I3 and carries a cam bushing 14 which is moved into engagement with a spring assembly 15 to move that assembly into its operated position. An armature 1B pivoted upon the relay contains a latch 12 which moves behind a shoulder 18 on the arm 1| to hold the An electromagnet 19 is connected in a circuit through a tilt bob in the game, so as to be energized if the game is tilted by the player in eiiort to advance his score. An energization of the magnet .18 moves the armature so as to release the arm 1| t'o permit it to return to its normal position in which it is shown in Figure 9. Springs 15 are thereby permitted to resume their normal position. Where they will remain until the coin chute is again operated responsive to the insertion oi a coin in the machine.

' The playing field also carries a stepping switch indicated generally at 8|), Figure 2, which is mounted on suitable brackets 80' which permit the switch to hang beneath the shuilie board 80. There are a number of stepping switches available which may bc used within the teachings of the invention. As shown in Figure 2 and in more detail in Figures l2 and 13, the switch consists of a solenoid 8i having a plunger connected to a pivoted armature B2 which carries a pawl B3 that engages a toothed disk 84 carried upon a rotatable shaft 85. A detent 86 likewise engages this disk 84. Each time solenoid 8i is energized, armature 82 and the pawl B3 are moved upwardly, Figures 2 and l2, to permit the paw] to ride over into engagement with the tooth immediately above the one with which it is shown engaged. Spring 81 is tensioned and as soon as the magnet is (le-energized this spring pulls the amature back into its normal position, the pawl 83 rotating the disk one step in a clockwise direction as seen in Figure 2. Pawi Il rides over into engagement with the next tooth and serves to hold the disk in its advanced position. The switch also contains an am 2l adapted to be engaged by a bracket Il on the ahume board IU. as the shuille board is moved upwardly. Figure 2, this arm pivoting to move pswls Il and 2i out oi' engagement with the disk Il. A spring wound around the shaft I5 of the switch in the usual mannen'returns the disk to its normal position. y

'Ihe switch also contains a spring assembly 2li having main springs which are engaged and operated by amature l2 each time the solenoid Bi is energized. Bracket 82 also engages a spring assembly Il to close the main spring thereof against its make contact when the shuilie board is in its normal position, for a purpose which will presently appear.

A stepping relay 22 and a repeat relay Il are mounted in convenient locations upon the playing eld and connected in the circuits of the machine as will presently appear. These relays are of the usual type having a coll and armature moved thereby to operate one or more main springs into and out of engagement with associated contacts. The particular type of relay used is not oi' the essence of the present invention and the details have been omitted from the drawings- 'I'he shullle board M carries a gate i9' which overlies the pocket Il in the playing field. into which the play balls drop after they have passed over the playing ileld. When the shuflle board is operated by moving the coin chute mechanism 20 upwardly. as seen in Figure 2. gate I9' moves out of registration with the pocket I9 and the balls fall through the playing ileld into a suitable chute. not shown. which carries them to the elevator mechanism for return to the playing eld.

'lhe particular arrangement of the devices mounted upon the underside of the playing field may be varied within the teachings of the lnvention. the arrangement shown in the drawings illustrating a preferred arrangement shown by way of example.

The shaft l5 projects through a stationary disk i". Figures 2. il. 12 and 13, and the shaft carries an arm lili located adjacent to this disk. The arm carries three contactors. |02. each of which projects through a bushing lill, and is spring pressed in the direction oi' the disk |00 by a coil spring III. The disk contains 3 rows of contacts MI5, one contact in each row being at all times engaged by one oi' the contactors |02. The contact-ors are connected together by suitable pig tails |22 and are connected tothe arm illi. which in turn is connected to one side of a source of power, as will presently appear.

Located in the bottom of the backrack of the game are a plurality oi lamps. of which are arranged in a row, one behind each of the windows ilu-200. Figure 4. These lamps are connected to the outer row ot contacts on the disk Ilili and to one side of a source oi' power so that when the switch ia ln its normal position the lamp l will be lighted to indicate that the score is 0. when the stepping switch is moved one step. lamp |00 will be extinguished and lamp behind legend |20 will be lighted as the contacter moves into engagement with it. Successive steps of the stepping switch light the lamps consecutively until lamp behind legend 200 isilluminated. 'Ihe backrack contains a second series of lamps illllo-lllll located behind corresponding numerals painted upon the glass panel I and connected on the disk lill. Lamp Il is connected to the contacts beginning with the 10th contact out oi normal position and extending to the 19th contact. Thus with the wiper standing upon the contacts through which lamp behind legend lll is illuminated. an additional step of the switch will extinguishthis lamp. will light lamp Il and as the outer one oi the contactors |22 moves into engagement with the 10th contact out of normal position in the row of contacts engaged by it, lamp 000 will again be lighted. this contact being multipled to the normal position contact. By this arrangement, as the stepping switch advances its arm iiii. one or more lamps in the backrack will be lighted to indicate a score in thousands and hundreds of points.

In Figure 1l the contacts in the outer row are shown multipled together and connected to the lamps MII-$00 only in the ilrst two groups of l0 contacts, and it will be understood that this multiple is extended to the remaining groups oi' ten contacts and that these connections have been omitted to avoid an unnecessary complication of the drawings.

As will be seen in Figures 3 and l1, power for operating the game is provided by a transformer |2|I which is located within the cabinet and connected to a suitable convenient source of commercial current, not shown, the connection extending through the timing switch 61 and through a fuse |22. Thus. when the game is conditioned for play by the operation of the coin chute following the deposit of a coin therein, arm 89 of the timing switch 61 is moved into position in which it is shown by dotted lines in Figure 1l, the contacts |23 within the switch will be closed and the primary winding |24 of the transformer will be connected across the source of commercial current. 'The secondary winding oi.' the transformer will be energized, the terminals of this winding being indicated in Figure 11 by circles, one of which contains a negative sign and designated as negative, and the other a positive sign, designated as positive, these designations being for convenience only.

The winding-of the motor 2i is connected in multiple with the primary winding i2! of the transformer so that the motor will operate so long as the transformer is energized.

The circuit arrangement of a game embodying the teachings of present invention are shown in Figure 11. Ass that the tilt relay 1U has not been operated and is, therefore, in the position in which it is shown in Figure 11. and assuming that the coin chute mechanism has been returned to normal so that springs Il will be closed by the bracket 29 on the shuille board and that the timing switch 61 has been operated to extend the commercial current to the motor and transformer. as disk 2l is rotated by the motor to bring contactor lil or Il into engagementwith springs l2'. it will be seen that positive will be connected through spring I2 and its make contact |25 to conductor |23 whenever the spring 42 engages contacter lil or 4i. Conductor |26 'leads through tilt relay springs |21 and through normally closed springs I to a common conductor |28 which is extended to one side o! each of the switch m il and il. Positive is also connected through springs l2 and |25 to make contact |20 to extend a circuit through lamps 42 in the backboard to negative thereby to light these lamps. This circuit also extends through a lamp |28 which is located beneath the switch mechanism i8. as will be seen in Figure 3, to negative to light this lamp.

inasmuch as the movement oi the disk 34 alternately moves spring 42 into and out o! ensalament with its make contacts |25 and |28, lampe 48 and |38 will dash ci! and on, the position of the contactors 48 and 4| on the disk being so that the lamps will be on when the game Figure 28 is visible through the sight 28. The intervals during which positive is connected to conductor |28 may be termed as "on periods and the intervals during which this potential is removed thereirom ofi periods. Preferably the on" periods are slightly longer than the oilm periods, but this may be altered within the teachings of the invention.

Contacts 54 oi' the switch mechanism I1 are connected together by a conductor |3| which extends to the winding of stepping relay 32, the other terminal of that relay being connected to negative. Thus, ii' the switch mechanism |1 is contacted by a play ball during the interval that spring 42 is engaging its make contact |25, relay 32 will be energized. Relay 32 carries main springs |32 and |33 which are normally disengaged from their respective make contacts and move into engagement therewith when the' relay is energized. Magnet 8| of the stepping switch, as above explained, operates a spring assembly 38 which consists ot a main spring |34 that normally engages a cooperating break contact and a main spring |35 that is normally disengaged from a cooperating make contact. The movement of main spring |32 into engagement with its make contact extends a circuit from the common conductor |28 through springs |32, through springs |34, conductor |35 to the winding of relay 32, thereby to lock the relay under the control of solenoid 8|.

Relay 32, by closing main spring |33, extends a circuit from common conductor |28 through the winding of magnet 8| of the stepping switch to negative with a branch of this circuit extending through the winding of a solenoid |31. Magnet 8| energizes over this circuit and moves its armature preparatory to advancing the wipers of the stepping switch one step, the armature operating spring assembly 38 to open the locking circuit of relay 32 which falls back and opens the circuit oi' relay 8| whereupon the switch arm of the stepping switch is advanced one step. By this arrangement it will be seen that so long as the closing of the contacts in one of the switch mechanisms |1 is long enough to permit stepping relay 92 to be energized, that relay will be locked and maintained in energized position long enough to insure that the stepping switch magnet is fully energized preparatory to advancing the switch arm one step.

The solenoid |31 is a noise maker, having a plunger |38 which is moved against the tension of spring |83 when the solenoid is energized, the plunger striking against a part of the cabinet to make a noise simulating the explosion of a gun. The use of this arrangement is optional within the teachings of the invention.

Contact 54 of the switch mechanism i8 is connected to one terminal of locking relay 93, the other terminal of this relay being connected to negative. Should a play bali come into contact with the mechanism I8 during the time spring 42 is in engagement with its make contact |35, relay 33 will be energized. 'I'he energization of this relay closes a locking circuit for itseli', ex-

tending i'rom conductor |28 through main spring |48 and its make contact through the winding oi' relay 83 to negative. Thus, when once energized, relay 83 will remain in its operated position so long as the main spring 42 is engaged 5 with its make contact |25, provided, oi course, that the game is not tilted in the mean time.

Relay 33 extends the positive potential on conductor |28 through spring |48 and its make contact. through the make contact of and spring |4|. conductor |42 through cam spring 38 and its make contact conductor |43 through the winding of relay 32 to negative, to energize the relay 92 as soon as spring 38 engages its make contact. Relay 82 lox'ks in the manner previously explained and closes the circuit to magnet 8| of the stepping switch. Cam spring 38, as hereinabove pointed out. engages the outer set oi' contactors on the disk 34 and alternately moves into and out of engagement with its make contact, so that so long as relay 33 remains in operated position, relay 32 will be repeatedly energized and the stepping switch will be caused to take a plurality of steps.

In many instances, it may be advantageous to the operator oi' the game device to have a record of the number of times that the stepping switch operates beyond a certain point. To this end there may be provided a mechanical counter |58 located within the cabinet, as shown in Figure 3, so as to be visible through the door |5| through which the coins or tokens are removed from the machine. The particular type of mechanical counter uscd is immaterial, for example, a counter of the type shown in United States Patent No. 2,046,810 has been found to be satisfactory for this purpose.

The operating arm |52 of the counting device is connected to the armature |53 of a magnet |54, so that the counter will be operated through one step each time the magnet is energized. A circuit ior the magnet is extended from negative through the winding of the magnet through ,spring |35 and its make contact. conductor |55 to certain contacts on the inner or third row of contacts on the disk |88 of the stepping switch. As shown in Figure 11, conductor |55 is connected to the 31st contact |55 in this row so that when the inner one of the contactors |82 engages this contact, the circuit of magnet |54 will be closed to positive.

Conductor |55 may also be extended to other contacts such as |51, |58, etc. and if desired a plurality of adjacent contacts |58 may be bridged together so that the magnet |54 will be operated each time the stepping switch magnet 8| is operated to advance the switch arm over these adjacent contacts. The particular contacts |51 and |53 to which conductor |55 is multipied, will depend upon the information that it is desired to record upon the counter |58, the multipling shown in Figure 11 being shown by way of example and being subject to variation within the teachings of the invention.

In games of this type it is customary to provide a tilt relay to indicate when the game has been Jiggled or tilted by the player in effort to gain a more advantageous score. This arrangement consists of a suitable tilt bob |55 or other similar device which when moved out of perpendicular, closes a circuit from negative through the winding of relay 18 through spring |55 and its break contact to positive, the relay being energized over this circuit to unlatch its armature 1| and permit its springs to move into position opposite that in which they are shown in Figure 11.

Spring |21 opens the circuit previously traced from cam spring 42 to the common conductor |28 so that engagement ci the play ball with one of the switch mechanisms or switch mechanism IB will be without efi'ect. Spring IIB extends a circuit from positive through its make contact through tilt lamp |81 to negative thereby to light that lamp. The tilt lamp is located in the backrack behind a suitable legend "tilt as illustrated in Figure 4, and when lamp |81 is lighted the word ti1t" appears to inform the player that further playing of the game will be without effect.

In games of this type there is usually provided a test switch which enables the operator or repairmen to shunt around the timing switch and test the operation of the motor and lamps without inserting a coin in the machine. In Figure 11 I have shown such a switch at |10 which may be included in the game it desired.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that I have provided a new and improved game oi the novelty type in which the play is lively and fascinating. The movement of the play balls over the playing iield may cause the stepping switch to be operated once or a plurality of times, depending upon whether or not the bail comes into contact with one or the other of two types of switch mechanisms on the playing iield. Engagement of a play ball with the switch mechanisms will not operate the stepping switch if this engagement occurs during an oiI period, that is, during a. period during which no game figure ls visible in the backrack.

The game device is of simple construction, capable of operating over a long period of time with a minimum of attention.

While I have chosen to illustrate my invention by showing and describing apreferred embodiment o! it, I have done so by way of example only and am not to be limited except by the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus complied with the statutes and shown and described a preferred embodiment of my invention, what I consider new and desire to have protected by Letters Patent is pointed out in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a game, a playing eld, means for propelling a ball thereover, a plurality of switch means projecting above said eld and adapted to be engaged one at a time by said ball, means i'or dividing the interval during which a ball is traveling over said field into ofi and ,on" periods, an electromagnetic switch, and means responsive to the engagement of a ball with any one of said switch means during an "on" period i'or operating said electromagnetic switch.

2. In a game, a playing iield, means for propeiling a bail thereover, a plurality of switch means projecting above said field and adapted to be engaged by a ball and including contacts closed when the ball moves into engagement with the switch means from any direction, a stepping switch, means for dividing the interval during which a ball is traveling over said iield into oiP' and on" periods, and means including a circuit closed by said contacts for operating said stepping switch each time a ball engages any one oi' said switch means during an on period.

3. In a game, the combination with a playing eld over which play balls are adapted to be rolled and having bumpers for directing the course oi' the balls, of a plurality of switch means upstanding from the iield and containing contacts closed by a ball moving into engagement arenoso with the switch means from any direction, a source oi' power, motor driven means for connecting said source ot power to said switches periodically, a stepping switch, means including a circuit closed through the contacts ot any of one oi' one said switch means during a period during which said source of power is connected to said switches for operating said stepping switch one step.

4. In a game having a playing field over which play balls may be propelled, a source of power, a common conductor, cam means for connecting said source oi power to said conductor for intervals of time separated by intervals of approximately equal length, a plurality oi switches on said playing iield adapted to be closed by play balls, a relay, means for operating said-reiay over a circuit through said switches whenever one of them is operated during an interval during which said conductor is connected to said source of power, a stepping switch operable to register the scores made in the game, an operating magnet for said switch, contacts operated by said magnet, a locldng circuit for said relay extending through said contacts to said conductor, and a circuit for said magnet controlled by said relay over which the relay ls operated to step the switch and to break said locking circuit.

5. In a game, a playing eld over which play balls may be moved, switch means on said iield each having contacts closed by a ball moved into engagement with the switch means from any direction, a common conductor connecting together one oi said contacts from each switch means, a source of power, means for alternately connecting said source oi' power to said common conductor to form an on period and for disconnecting the power from said conductor to form an o period, a stepping switch, means including a circuit closed through the contacts of said switch means for operating said stepping switch one step each time a bail engages a switch means during an on period, a relay. a circuit for said relay closed through the contacts on a particular one oir said switch means and over which said relay is operated when said switch means is engaged by a bail during an on period, means for locking said relay to said common conductor, and means including a circuit through contacts on said relay closed when the relay is in operated position for operating said stepping switch repeatedly during the remainder of said on period.

6. In a game, a playing eld, means for propelling a ball thereover, switch means projecting above said iieid and including contacts closed by a ball moving into engagement with the switch means from any direction, a source of power, means tor connecting said source of power to said switch and for disconnecting the source of power therefrom alternately. to form on" and oiT' periods, a relay, a. circuit for said relay closed through said contacts to operate the relay whenever the switch is engaged by a ball during an "on" period, means for locking said relay in operated position during the remainder of the on" period, a stepping switch, and means including a circuit closed through said relay in operated position for operating said stepping switch repeatedly.

'1. In a game device having play balls, a stepping switch having a motor magnet, a relay. a source oi power, circuit means closed by said relay in energized position for operating said stepping switch motor magnet, a circuit for said 8. In a game, the combination with a playing held over which play balls are adapted to be rolled and having bumpers for directing the course of said balls. of switch means upstanding from the field and containing contacts closed by a ball moving into engagement with the switch means from any direction. a source o! power, means for connecting said source oi! power to said switch means periodically to establish "on" periods, an interrupter having contacts closed a denite number oi' times during each on" period, a relay controlled by said switch means to extend said source of power to said interrupter contacts, a stepping switch, circuit means therefor extending through said interrupter contacts, said circuit means being closed to operate said stepping switch when said switch means is closed by a ball during an on" period, said stepping switch being then operated by said interrupter contacts a plurality of times less in number than said definite number oi times by the number ot times said interrupter contacts have been closed during said "on period before said switch means is operated.

JERRY C. KOCI.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No.; 2,165,059.

July il, 1959.

JERRY C. KOCI.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 6, second column, line 6, claim, for the words "of one of one said" read one of said; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the recordof the case in the Patent Office Signed and sealed this 26th day of September, A. D. 19,59.

(Seal) Henry Van Arsdale, Acting Commissioner .of Patents.

8. In a game, the combination with a playing held over which play balls are adapted to be rolled and having bumpers for directing the course of said balls. of switch means upstanding from the field and containing contacts closed by a ball moving into engagement with the switch means from any direction. a source o! power, means for connecting said source oi! power to said switch means periodically to establish "on" periods, an interrupter having contacts closed a denite number oi' times during each on" period, a relay controlled by said switch means to extend said source of power to said interrupter contacts, a stepping switch, circuit means therefor extending through said interrupter contacts, said circuit means being closed to operate said stepping switch when said switch means is closed by a ball during an on" period, said stepping switch being then operated by said interrupter contacts a plurality of times less in number than said definite number oi times by the number ot times said interrupter contacts have been closed during said "on period before said switch means is operated.

JERRY C. KOCI.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No.; 2,165,059.

July il, 1959.

JERRY C. KOCI.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 6, second column, line 6, claim, for the words "of one of one said" read one of said; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the recordof the case in the Patent Office Signed and sealed this 26th day of September, A. D. 19,59.

(Seal) Henry Van Arsdale, Acting Commissioner .of Patents. 

